Putting God's Word into Practice…

Revelation 5 ~ Truth and Worship

by dailybiblereader2012 on April 28, 2014

Then I saw IN THE RIGHT HAND of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “WEEP NO MORE; BEHOLD, THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH, THE ROOT OF DAVID, HAS CONQUERED SO THAT HE CAN OPEN THE SCROLL AND ITS SEVEN SEALS. (Revelation 5:1-5)

The scroll contains future events. It is encouraging to know that the entire future of our lives and the world are resting in the powerful, authoritative right hand of God the Father! The future wrath, judgment, suffering, redemption, and restoration are all in His grasp. He is always in control!

The unholiness of mankind and the condition of the world broke John’s heart. He wept–loudly. Whenever we are in despair, when discouragement sets in, when things feel hopeless; all is not lost! WEEP NO MORE; BEHOLD JESUS!!! Look at Him, gaze upon Him, set your heart and mind on the One who is able, powerful and essential to our future!!! He is our Hope!

In Revelation 5 we see Jesus referenced in three ways. First is as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He is the ruler and protector of His people. He is filled with strength and majesty. His presence invokes reverence and awe! The Root of David is the second name. Jesus was born into the lineage of a king fulfilling the prophecy that the promised Messiah would also be the King! And finally in verse 6 we see Jesus referred to as “a Lamb standing as though it had been slain.” Jewish sacrifice required a pure, spotless lamb to be slain everyday as an offering to cover intentional and unintentional sins. According to Leviticus 4:7 the blood of the sin offering was “poured out” at the base of the altar in the temple. In Matthew 26:27-28 Jesus told His disciples that His blood would be “poured out” for the forgiveness of the sins of many. John the Baptist declared in John 1:29, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”

Beholding Jesus leads to worship! Knowing the truth about Jesus–who He is and what He has done on our behalf–leads us to worship! Jesus alone is worthy of–deserving, entitled to– unadulterated (undiluted, absolute) worship!

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (vs. 12) “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped. (vs. 13b-14)